Jenkinsons (Point Pleasant)
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Chop, Ocean, Mixed
- Spot Type
- Busy
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Jenkinsons (Point Pleasant) is a well-known, exposed beach/jetty surfing spot on the south side of the Manasquan Inlet area. The wave is described as fast and powerful with a hollow shape, producing especially strong hollow lefts at the jetty when the swell and wind line up—particularly on northeast swell days with offshore west winds. Wind and swell alignment matters for quality. West/offshore wind conditions are reported to provide cleaner, groomed surf, while the spot’s wind statistics indicate September as the standout month, with the highest concentration of favorable conditions in that period. Providers also note the main wave is highly localized around the jetty/peak, so the most consistent sections can be crowded. Timing is important: low tide is repeatedly indicated as the best period for wave shape. With the jetty at the north end and an exposed setup, riders should be prepared for intense, fast takeoffs and hollow tubes. Large swell behavior is described as capable of handling winter/hurricane-sized surf while still producing powerful, barrel-capable waves. Safety and access considerations are central here. The beach is privately owned and requires a badge/tag for seasonal access, and the area is reported to have dangerous rip currents—particularly near the jetty. Rocks in the jetty zone increase risk, and the spot can become very crowded with strong localized dynamics, especially in summer. Rescue availability is reported as limited, with lifeguards present seasonally.
- Hollow, powerful lefts at the jetty on northeast swell
- Low tide generally best for wave shape
- Offshore west winds improve cleanliness
- Powerful, hollow wave shape when conditions align
- Offshore west winds can clean up the surf
- Low tide is generally best for wave shape
- Popular, well-known destination for surfing at Manasquan Inlet
- Dangerous rip currents and strong near-jetty currents reported
- Rocks at/near the jetty
- Crowds can be heavy (especially summer)
- Localized peak and potential localism
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- W
- Offshore directions
- W
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Provider indicates frontal systems; West winds can also behave offshore for wave cleanliness.
- Reliability
- moderate
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Reported as moderate gusts.
- Best Months
- September
- Shadow Zones
- The jetty can create some wind protection depending on the angle.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Chop, Ocean, Mixed
- Beach
- Sand
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Flat — Providers describe variability from smaller/flat conditions to medium and powerful wave days depending on swell.
- Chop Level
- Heavy chop
- Launch
- Medium — Wide sandy beach south of the Manasquan Inlet jetty.
Through the year
Crowded in summer (especially July–August); less crowded in autumn.
Hurricane season runs from June through November; nor'easters are common in winter.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Exposed beach/jetty break with fast, powerful waves and hollow lefts at the jetty; works on solid northeast swells.
- Wave Direction
- Left
- Optimal Swell
- E, ENE, NE
- Swell Height
- 0.6–0.7 m
- Optimal Tide
- Low
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed beach/jetty location; jetty can provide some local shelter depending on the angle.
- Wind Effect
- Best with offshore west winds, giving cleaner/groomed conditions.
- Bigger Swell
- Can handle larger hurricane/winter swells and still produce powerful, hollow peaks; may produce very intense/quality barrels when the swell is strong.
- Wave Quality
- Excellent — Providers describe it as excellent/good depending on conditions; reliably high-quality when the swell/wind align.
- Wave Power
- Powerful
- Wave Shape
- Hollow
- Peel Speed
- Fast
- Ride Length
- Reported as short but intense; longer rides possible during significant swells.
- Typical Ride Length
- 40–80 m
- Ride Length Details
- Waves wind along the beach on solid northeast swells; short but intense, with barrelling/possible longer rides during larger swells.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Jenkinsons (Point Pleasant) in the full forecast view.
Jenkinsons (Point Pleasant) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 3–11 ktsGusts 19 kts
- Direction
- NNW345°
- Strongest day
- Tue, Oct 2711 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.4–1.1 m7s period
- Temperature
- 6–20 °C
Over the next 7 days, Jenkinsons (Point Pleasant) is forecast for daytime winds of 3–11 kts, peaking around 11 kts on Tuesday, October 27 with gusts to 19 kts. The prevailing direction is NNW. Waves run 0.4–1.1 m with a period of about 7s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- rocks
- rip currents present (currents can be dangerous)
- heavy crowds
- boat traffic in the nearby inlet
- localism
- dangerous currents near the jetty
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Lifeguard services are reported as seasonal.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability is reported as limited.
- Emergency Info
- Point Pleasant Beach Police and local lifeguards are available during the summer season; emergency services are handled via 911.
- Localism / Vibe
- Heavy — Local presence and localized peak dynamics are reported.
Rules of the spot
Beach access is privately owned and requires a beach badge/tag during the operating season/summer access rules.
- private beach - badge required
- summer restrictions to designated areas and times to avoid conflicts with swimmers
- surfing forbidden in swimming zones during lifeguard hours
- surfing restricted to designated areas/times during the summer season
- Low tide is generally the best time to surf for better wave shape.
- Watch for dangerous currents and be aware of rocks near the jetty.
- Because the spot is highly localized, expect the main peak by the jetty to be crowded—consider off-season or early mornings.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Point Pleasant Beach
- Nearest Town
- Point Pleasant Beach
- Parking
- Parking available; several paid parking lots nearby with limited street parking in surrounding blocks.
- Access
- Access is through the boardwalk area; paid beach tags are required in summer and a beach badge/tag is required for boardwalk access/seasonal operating access rules.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Numerous hotels, motels, and vacation rentals are available in Point Pleasant Beach.
- Food & Drink
- Food boardwalk options, cafes, and bars are immediately adjacent to the beach.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental is available in town via local surf shops.
- Gear Repair
- Board repair is available via local surf shops in town.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Jenkinsons (Point Pleasant)?
The best overall months at Jenkinsons (Point Pleasant) are September.
Which wind directions work at Jenkinsons (Point Pleasant)?
Jenkinsons (Point Pleasant) works with W winds. Offshore directions are W.
What skill level is Jenkinsons (Point Pleasant) suitable for?
Jenkinsons (Point Pleasant) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate to Advanced.